MISSION STATEMENTIt is the mission of the Scituate Police Department to protect life, property and to preserve the peace in a manner consistent with the Constitution of the United States, the Laws of the State of Rhode Island, and the Ordinances of the Town of Scituate. We will act in partnership with the citizens of Scituate to enhance the quality of life, reduce fear and incidence of crime, and address public safety and community concerns in a prompt manner. Furthermore, we will impartially and fairly enforce the law while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

HISTORY The Scituate Police Department was made a permanent force on July 9, 1970, by Town Council ordinance. It was authorized a Chief, Deputy Chief, a Captain, a Lieutenant, three Sergeants and as many Patrolmen as the Council should from time to time determine necessary.

The present table of organization includes a Chief, Deputy Chief, one Lieutenant, five Sergeants and ten Patrol Officers. Additionally, there are five full time civilian employees, including a secretary and four dispatchers, who are also responsible for fire and EMS dispatch. There is also part-time weekend Dispatcher. Animal Control includes one full-time and one part-time Animal Control Officer and a Town-owned facility. Future staffing plans for the Department include a detective position.

Records show that since 1923 seven men have served as Chief of Police in the town. Prior to that time police services were handled by the Town Sergeant.

Chief John H. Riley - 1923-1946

Chief John J. Crowley - 1946-1971

Chief William J. G. Lawton - 1971-1990

Chief William M. Helm - 1990-1996

Acting Chief John R. Devine - 1996-1997

Chief William F. Mack - 1997- 2008

Chief David M. Randall - 2008 - 2017

Chief Donald R. Delaere Jr. - 2017 - present

The police station has been located in Hope since at least 1925. It has been at the present location since the early thirties. Initially it consisted of the front portion of the present facility which was formerly a school. The rear portion, the former Hope community house, was renovated and added to the station in 1979.

Public Records RequestA Scituate Police Department Public Records Request Form may be filled out. Contact the Department for more information. Pursuant to R.I. General Law 38-2-7, the department is provided up to ten (10) business days to comply or deny access to a record